Next step for BDC is to brainstorm

The Burlington Downtown Corporation has planned a brainstorming session as a follow-up to a presentation made by downtown consultant Roger Brooks earlier in March.

According to a news release, a survey sent out by the BDC revealed local stakeholders in downtown Burlington wanted to continue the discussion started by Brooks on March 6 at a seminar hosted at Elon University. The brainstorm session is set for March 26, where community members will help the BDC identify projects that can be executed within the next year to 18 months.

Recapping Brooks’ main points, the news release states an action plan is already under development and the BDC plans to work with Brooks over the next year to develop a “brand” for the downtown and research bringing a year-round public market to Burlington’s downtown – a move Brooks said would provide a venue that would encourage year-round events and programming.

As part of the continuing revitalization effort, the BDC is also planning to launch “Fourth Fridays” in conjunction with the Burlington Recreation and Parks Department’s “Musical Chairs” concert. On Fourth Fridays, downtown restaurants and shops will stay open until 8 p.m. and feature pop-up business and dining vendors, artist installations and other attractions.

The brainstorming workshop will take place at Sara-Anne Photography, at 341 S. Main Street, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26.